> USA CYCLING STATEMENT REGARDING THE UCI'S PLAN FOR THE FUTURE OF
> PROFESSIONAL CYCLING
>
> Earlier today, the UCI publicized a new plan for the structure of
> professional cycling following weeks of negotiations between the sport's
> international governing body and Editions Phillipe Amaury (EPA), the owner
> of ASO and the Societe du Tour de France.
>
> As a result of the discussions, the UCI unveiled key elements of the plan
> which include the creation of a "UCI World Calendar" in 2009, the
> implementation of individual and team classifications, and participation
> rights for professional teams. The UCI World Calendar is expected to
> include cycling's monumental events in addition to those currently a part
> of the existing UCI ProTour structure.
>
> Furthermore, the UCI has confirmed its recognition of ASO's exclusive
> ownership and operation rights of its events, as well as those of all
> other organizers. The UCI has also agreed that the right to participate in
> the sport's marquee event, the Tour de France, throughout the 2010 season
> shall be governed by the pre-existing agreement signed by individual teams
> and ASO in June.
>
> The UCI has classified this reorganization as a move that will establish a
> "common platform to allow cycling to return to a period of stability and
> serenity."
>
> As the national governing body for the sport of competitive cycling in the
> United States, USA Cycling has recognized the tireless efforts put forth
> by multiple parties to end the conflict and has issued the following
> statement in support of the resolution:
>
> "I am very pleased that the UCI and EPA have worked behind the scenes
> towards a common understanding with regards to the international
> professional calendar," commented USA Cycling chief executive officer
> Steve Johnson. "I believe the proposed agreement is in the best interest
> of the sport and I applaud all parties for their efforts to resolve this
> conflict. We are looking forward to the spotlight returning to the
> competitive aspect of professional racing and the athletes who will
> compete under the auspices of a stable environment. "
>
> About USA Cycling
> Recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the Union Cycliste
> Internationale, USA Cycling is the official governing body for all
> disciplines of competitive cycling in the United States, including road,
> track, mountain bike, BMX and cyclo-cross. As a membership-based
> organization and sanctioning body, USA Cycling consists of 64,000+
> members, including 57,000 competitive cyclists, 1,500 coaches, 4,000
> student-athletes, 2,200 officials, 350 professional cyclists, and 200
> certified mechanics. USA Cycling also sanctions 2,500 competitive and
> non-competitive organized cycling events throughout the United States
> annually, as well as 1,800 clubs and teams. Associations of USA Cycling
> include the United States Cycling Federation (road, track & cyclo-cross),
> the National Off-Road Bicycle Association (mountain bike), the BMX
> Association, the National Collegiate Cycling Association and the United
> States Professional Racing Organization. USA Cycling is also responsible
> for the identification, development, support and promotion of American
> cyclists through various athletic initiatives and programs including the
> USA Cycling National Development Team, the USA Cycling Women's National
> Team, the USA Cycling Junior Development Team, Talent Identification and
> Regional Development Camps, domestic and international race calendars,
> direct athlete funding and support programs, and educational camps and
> seminars. USA Cycling also fields and supports U.S. National Teams for
> various international events, including the Olympic Games, World
> Championships, Pan American Games, Continental Championship and World Cups
> across all levels and disciplines of competitive cycling. USA cycling
> further supports grass roots and locally-based initiatives through its 32
> Local Associations and comprehensive network of licensed and certified
> coaches and officials. Additionally, USA Cycling conducts National
> Championship events for amateur and professional cyclists, awarding more
> than 600 national titles annually to men and women in junior, U23,
> masters, elite, professional and paralympic categories throughout the
> various disciplines of competitive cycling. To learn more about USA
> Cycling, visit www.usacycling.org.